Overview

• Locals’ nicknamed Reggie was seized on Tuesday by swan warden Cyril Bennis and is being held in a local enclosure pending transfer to the Dawlish Waterfowl Centre in Devon.
• Bennis said the black swan intimidated males, split established pairs, attempted to mate with females, and tried to drown mute swans.
• Officials consulted Crown representatives before removal, and Bennis reported being roughed up during the capture but said the resident flock is now calmer.
• Stratford-upon-Avon supports about 60 protected mute swans that are legally regarded as the King’s property, while black swans are non-native to Britain and typically originate from private collections.
• The bird had become a tourist draw and local favorite, prompting backlash and difficult questions for the warden as the relocation proceeds.